Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, everyone!

2010 Howard M. Shum Awards

As the year closes, many of you wish that some all knowing comic book artist would make a list of the best of 2010. Rejoice, you wishers of simple things, for I grant you said wish.

Best Film - “True Grit” Written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen based on a novel by Charles Portis. In the old west, a young girl seeks vengeance against the man who killed her father. Her allies are a one-eyed marshall who has seen better days and a blowhard who thinks he is cooler than he actually is. This film shows what it is to have extreme fortitude and determination.

Special Shum Award - “The Secret in their Eyes” Directed by Juan José Campanella. Written by Eduardo Sacheri & Juan José Campanella. Based on a novel by Eduardo Sacheri. This film came out in 2009, but I saw it this year, therefore the Special Award. This is what cinema is all about. All films should aspire to be this good. Instant classic.

Best Director - Joel and Ethan Coen, “True Grit” Few people can do intense drama alongside laugh out loud humor as well as the Coen brothers.

Actor - James Franco, “127 Hours” A guy is stuck in a rock for 90 minutes and the film is interesting. Kudos to director Danny Boyle and great performance by Franco.

Supporting Actor - Geoffrey Rush “The King’s Speech” I’m not a royalist and I like Rush’s portrayal of a guy who doesn’t kowtow to royalty.

Actress - Hailee Steinfeld. “True Grit” Some would have you believe that Hailee’s role was a supporting one, but it is fallacious. She is on the screen as much if not more than Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon. Her character instigates the action. It is a lead role and the 13 year old (at the time of shooting), first-time actor did a tremendous job and more than held her own with Bridges and Damon.

Supporting Actress - Chloe Moretz “Kick Ass” Chloe steals the movie as Hit Girl and makes it more fun and interesting.

Screenplay - “Toy Story 3” by Michael Arndt, story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, and Lee Unkrich. The story was surprisingly emotional. To be able to do that without doing easy obvious stuff, like killing a dog, is a great achievement.

Cinematographer - Robert Richardson “Shutter Island” The beautiful light, shadows and color add to the creepiness of this film.

Television Show Drama “Breaking Bad” There is no other TV show that has characters evolving and devolving like this one. Storylines venture into unexpected and dangerous territories that other shows fear to tread.

Television Show Comedy “Bored to Death” Crazy characters having crazy adventures in New York is funny to me.

Disney Princess - Rapunzel from “Tangled” Beautiful designs by the great Glen Keane and amazing animation by Disney (which is more gorgeous and ambitious than anything Pixar and Dreamworks have done) makes Rapunzel my new favorite Disney princess (sorry Ariel).

Face - Barbara Palvin. She has perfect eyes and lips. She should model. Oh, she does. The drawing here is one I did of her.

Angelina Jolie

Here is a drawing I did of Angelina Jolie.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Rise of the Bounty Hunters

I did sketch cards for Topps' Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Rise of the Bounty Hunters set. Here are the ones I get to keep. E-mail me if you would like to buy one.

Hailey Clauson

Here is a drawing I did of model Hailey Clauson.

Janet Montgomery

Here's a drawing I did of actress Janet Montgomery. Watch her on "Human Target" on FOX.

Jessica Hart

Here is a drawing I did of model Jessica Hart.

Sasha Pivovarova

Here is a drawing I did of model Sasha Pivovarova. She is also a good artist.

Carey Mulligan

Carey Mulligan is the best young actress working today. Here is a drawing I did of her.

Taylor Swift

I did this drawing of Taylor Swift for Chelsea, a young girl from England who has an amazing art collection. Chelsea is a fan of Taylor's and I think Taylor is a great writer.

Danny McBride - Kenny Powers

Here is a drawing I did of Danny McBride as Kenny Powers from "Eastbound and Down." Funny show.

Harmony Moniz

Here is a drawing I did of Harmony Moniz. Check out her music by her group BelleVoxx on iTunes.

Destiny

Here is a drawing I did of Destiny.

Jessica Stam

Here is a drawing I did of model Jessica Stam.

Anne Vyalitsyna

Here is a drawing I did of model Anne Vyalitsyna based on a Sports Illustrated photo.

The Empire Strikes Back

I did sketch cards for Topps' Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back 3D set. These are the cards I get to keep. E-mail me if you want to buy one.

Gemma Arterton

Last night I saw "Tamara Drewe" written by Moira Buffini, based on a graphic novel by Posy Simmonds and directed by Stephen Frears. It stars Gemma Arterton, Dominic Cooper, and Luke Evans. It's a funny film about a young woman who goes back to an English village where she grew up. Dominic and Luke are nice guys and Gemma is adorable in person. Here is a drawing I did of Gemma.

Analeigh Tipton

I saw Steve Carell's new movie "Crazy Stupid Love" last week. It's a funny movie, but what I was most impressed with was actress Analeigh Tipton whom I have never seen before. She is really good. She will have a big acting career ahead of her.

Kim Possible watercolor

Here are a bunch of Kim Possible watercolor commissions I recently did.